In a world of GPS monitored workload, wellness charts and lactate tests, yesterday was an old-school get-to-know-you, said Cheika.

"Just understanding about who everyone is, how they train and what they do," he said. "And they're learning about me as well."

Waratahs forwards learned Cheika has a loud voice and doesn't let up. Once at the top of the steps, there was no rest allowed. No slouching. Straight back down.

The NSW Waratahs players are put through a fitness session running the Denning Street stairs in Coogee. Picture: Phil HillyardSource: The Daily Telegraph

They also learned he walks the talk, having run the last half of the reps (delayed by a meeting with the CEO, Cheika explains) along with other members of the Tahs' coaching staff.

"It's a good opportunity for the players to learn the standards I have," Cheika said. "There's no guarantee running up stairs is any better than running around the field in terms of fitness, but it certainly gets you ready in the head. Doing it repeatedly and helping your teammates. There are certain things I noted. Just to see who's who in the pack."

Berrick Barnes put his recovering punctured lung through a searching morning. He said: "Today was good. We need those sort of sessions. When I used to play league, that was every second session.

"There's nothing skilful about it. It's just mental. The boys were good, there was no whingeing."

Waratahs players, who appeared to struggle with fitness last season, said after three days they knew they'd be fitter in 2013. But Cheika said last season wasn't any motivation.

"I haven't done any review on last year. Last year is finished. I'll only get a sore neck if I keep on looking back on that," Cheika said.

"We're looking at how we are going to play. The style I want to play is going to take a certain amount of fitness, and mentally it is good for the group. But I don't think we've even got going yet, in terms of hard."

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